Blaze Devastates Hollywood Home

HOLLYWOOD — A 7-year-old who stayed home sick from school Wednesday accidentally knocked a candle over, setting the family home ablaze.

"The poor little thing was so terrified,'' said Hollywood fire Lt. Bob Buckley, who was one of 18 firefighters on the scene of the 2:53 p.m. blaze.

Zabrina Fogelsang, who was staying home with older sister Zandra, 18, was alone in the family room of the one-story home at 4008 Madison Street when the fire started.

Buckley said when Zabrina pulled on a blanket it knocked over a scented candle and set the couch on fire.

Her sister tried to call 911 but couldn't because the computer was online, tying up the phone line. The two ran to a neighbor's house to call for help.

Two engines, two ladder trucks, and two rescue vehicles showed up to the afternoon fire, which was put out in about 30 minutes.

Broward County property records show the home was purchased three years ago by Dana and Madeline Fogelsang for $130,000.

The inside of the home, which was built in the mid-60s, was devastated by the fire, Buckley said. Smoke had ruined most of the house, Buckley said, and the room where the fire originated was destroyed.

When father Dana Fogelsang showed up on the scene, he quickly took care of his kids, and even Zabrina was smiling.

"Dad was real cool and handled it properly,'' Buckley said. "Considering his house just went up, I admired what he did and how he handled it.''

The house is unlivable, so the American Red Cross in Fort Lauderdale was en route early Wednesday evening to get the family a place to stay, some clothes and food.

"I've got a crew on the way down to them,'' said Mark Goggin, associate disaster director. "We'll take care of them.''